Scouts step up to a cycling challenge
“While scouting continued throughout lockdown via remote online sessions, it was not quite the same adventure.”
Covid-19 may have disrupted the world and had an impact on outdoor adventures for scouts, but it did not stop First Kengray Scout Group when a group of boys, aged 14 to 17, and adult leaders completed a 100km cycle challenge in Muldersdrift on November 15.
“While scouting continued throughout lockdown via remote online sessions, it was not quite the same adventure,” said Dylan Smith, 1st Kengray Troop scouter.
“As spring neared, we challenged our scouts to take part in the Ride Joburg 94.7, one of the biggest cycling events in South Africa and an opportunity to experience the strength, community and ubuntu of the City of Gold.”
Unfortunately, the official event did not take place due to restrictions imposed on major sporting events.
This did not hold back the adventurous cyclists as the event was re-imagined.
Family and friends gathered in Muldersdrift to man waterpoints and support the teenagers along the gruelling 100km route.
The boys trained for three months, meeting Sunday mornings in the picturesque Muldersdrift to clock up the kilometres.
ALSO READ:
Another special SA Open moment for Gary Player
They completed a mini-challenge of 150km in 10 days to earn their custom-made cycling gear as a build-up to the event and some of the scouts met the requirements to be awarded a cycling badge, through the scout badge system that rewards accomplishment.
“Getting the scouts away from their screens, off the couch, out into the fresh air and discovering the power of their mind and muscles was a great way to build resilience and camaraderie among the group,” said Smith.
This is what a few of the scouts had to say about the sense of achievement and effort to work towards a tremendous goal:
Dennis Chung said he loved getting into the zone, pushing himself despite the aching legs.
Jonathan Diessel said: “I thought it was going to be hard work, sweat and pain and it was, but it was also a good team-building exercise.”
Luke Kojetin said he had a new respect for Tour De France cyclists and discovered bones in places he didn’t know existed.
He said a big part of the challenge was having a positive mindset.
Sabastion Cruz said: “I learnt that cycling isn’t that easy and that practice makes perfect, staying disciplined to practise daily tested me.”
First Kengray is located along Highland Road, Kensington, it is one of the oldest scouting groups in South Africa.
Youth can experience the outdoors while ‘learning by doing’ and developing skills such as leadership, teamwork, self-motivation, perseverance, environmental and cultural awareness and strong values.
The monthly fee is R200 and the group focuses on having fun in nature and honing problem-solving and communication skills and creating a better future for all.
Also follow us on:
